Kansas City might seem busy, but more often than not, we find ourselves with spare time and nothing to do. Have you found yourself with a weekend approaching, and no plans to fill it? Consider some of these quick road trips to take up some of your spare time, and fill your weekend with memories that’ll last forever. Come take a look!
- Legler Barn Museum — 14907 W 87th St Pkwy., Lenexa, Kansas
Lenexa Historical Society-Legler Barn Museum Facebook The Legler Barn Museum is full of history about Lenexa, and it originally sat on the Santa Fe trail. Browse historical artifacts and learn about towns near Kansas City at this wonderful history museum.
- Shawnee Mission Park Waterfall (Red Loop trail) — Shawnee, Kansas
Rene Savage/AllTrails This little waterfall is everything from a trickle to a roar to a frozen work of art. Of course, that all depends on when you visit! The Park itself has plenty of other trails to explore, and they’re all kept clean and visible.
- Native Hoofed Animal — Lees Summit, Missouri
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr This little area near Lake Jacomo is a great place to get up close to some elk and bison. Make sure you bring apples, pears, corn, or carrots with you to feed them!
- Maple Woods Natural Area — 2603-2617 NE 76th St., Gladstone, Missouri
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails This stunning wooded area is perfect for a calm hike or even a leisurely stroll. It’s only a 1-mile loop, so take your time to really enjoy the scenery.
- CW Parker Carousel Museum — 320 S Esplanade St., Leavenworth, Kansas
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum Facebook This enchanting carousel museum is home to the oldest working carousel in the country, that still operates but no longer gives rides. However, they have a newer carousel that is available for rides whenever you visit.
- Fort Osage National Historic Landmark —107 Osage St., Sibley, Missouri
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark Facebook Living History reproductions, as well as artifacts on display from the time period, are what make Fort Osage a great place for a day trip. You’ll learn all sorts of historical facts from this place built in 1808.
- Overland Park Arboretum — 8909 W 179th St., Overland Park, Kansas
Friends of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Facebook This arboretum is perfect for a long walk among the plants and trees. You can also wait until spring when the flowers are all in bloom and colorful. Either way, there’s beauty to be seen in any season.
- Yaya’s Alpaca Farm — 30200 E 275th St., Garden City, Missouri
YaYa’s Alpaca Farm Facebook What could be cooler than visiting creatures this adorable? This sounds like a day well spent, in the company of these gentle (and fluffy) animals you can’t help but adore.
- Smithville Lake — Smithville, Missouri
Clay County Parks All 25 miles of pedestrian trails here at Smithville Lake are ADA accessible and well taken care of. Even in seasons when leaves aren’t green, the lake is still stunning framed by the trees. If you’d like to read our full piece on this location, click here.
- Taking the Taco Trail challenge and finding your new favorite.
OnlyInYourState Taco Trails sound exciting, but do you have what it takes to try all of them? That’s assuming you haven’t already, of course. If you’d like to read our full piece on this location, click here.
Of course, if you’re looking for a trip with a little less nature and a little more of the finer aspects of life, why not consider this winery and vineyards near Kansas City instead?
Lenexa Historical Society-Legler Barn Museum Facebook
The Legler Barn Museum is full of history about Lenexa, and it originally sat on the Santa Fe trail. Browse historical artifacts and learn about towns near Kansas City at this wonderful history museum.
Rene Savage/AllTrails
This little waterfall is everything from a trickle to a roar to a frozen work of art. Of course, that all depends on when you visit! The Park itself has plenty of other trails to explore, and they’re all kept clean and visible.
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr
This little area near Lake Jacomo is a great place to get up close to some elk and bison. Make sure you bring apples, pears, corn, or carrots with you to feed them!
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
This stunning wooded area is perfect for a calm hike or even a leisurely stroll. It’s only a 1-mile loop, so take your time to really enjoy the scenery.
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum Facebook
This enchanting carousel museum is home to the oldest working carousel in the country, that still operates but no longer gives rides. However, they have a newer carousel that is available for rides whenever you visit.
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark Facebook
Living History reproductions, as well as artifacts on display from the time period, are what make Fort Osage a great place for a day trip. You’ll learn all sorts of historical facts from this place built in 1808.
Friends of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Facebook
This arboretum is perfect for a long walk among the plants and trees. You can also wait until spring when the flowers are all in bloom and colorful. Either way, there’s beauty to be seen in any season.
YaYa’s Alpaca Farm Facebook
What could be cooler than visiting creatures this adorable? This sounds like a day well spent, in the company of these gentle (and fluffy) animals you can’t help but adore.
Clay County Parks
All 25 miles of pedestrian trails here at Smithville Lake are ADA accessible and well taken care of. Even in seasons when leaves aren’t green, the lake is still stunning framed by the trees. If you’d like to read our full piece on this location, click here.
OnlyInYourState
Taco Trails sound exciting, but do you have what it takes to try all of them? That’s assuming you haven’t already, of course. If you’d like to read our full piece on this location, click here.
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